Rio Ferdinand believes Jose Mourinho should look to bring Michael Keane back to Manchester United, believing the Burnley defender has what it takes to become "a huge star" if he returns to Old Trafford.

Former Old Trafford trainee Keane has been earning rave reviews this season.

The centre-half, 24, left United in 2015, after a succession of loan spells, to ink a permanent deal with the Clarets.

Since then Keane has blossomed under the guidance of Sean Dyche, playing a key role in their battle against relegation - which they are currently winning with something to spare - and landing Keane a spot in the England squad earlier this term.

Keane is now one of the Premier League's most-wanted centre-halves (Image: REUTERS)

Keane departed United permanently in 2015 (Image: John Peters)

Ferdinand believes Keane could thrive back at United (Image: Getty)

Keane cost Burnley just £2million after being shipped out by Louis van Gaal, and has insisted that he has no regrets about departing, telling the Guardian: "I ended up signing permanently and I was really happy to do that because I’ve loved it ever since.

"I do feel sometimes that things could have been different [at United] but I don’t regret anything because the move has definitely been the best thing for me.”

Such has been Keane’s rise at Turf Moor that he has been mentioned as a potential summer target for both Everton (long-time admirers) and Chelsea - with fees in excess of £15million mooted.

But former United and England defender Ferdinand - who worked with Keane when he was a youngster at United - believes that, in similar fashion to Paul Pogba, he could return to his boyhood club and thrive as a first-team player.

Keane as a youngster, training alongside Ferdinand at United (Image: Getty)

Keane was called into the England squad earlier this season (Image: AFP/Getty)

“He likes to ask questions, he likes constructive criticism and that’s a great attribute to have, to be there, to look at your game in detail and try and improve,” said Ferdinand, speaking to BBC 5 Live.

“He’s always wanting to improve, whether it’s nutrition, whether it’s physical, whether it’s actual working on your game after training. He was always wanting to learn and understand more.

“I think the moment he found out he was going to leave Manchester United - every kid’s dream in that area is to play for Manchester United - so to leave the club was a huge wrench for him.

“But it allowed him to go and spread his wings and bloom really and become the player he is now. At Manchester United he wasn’t afforded that opportunity, for whatever reason.

“You look at the likes of Pogba; he’s gone away and come back now and become a huge star. Michael Keane, he could do that himself.”

Pogba returned to United in the summer and is thriving (Image: Manchester United/Getty Images)

Keane clears his lines against Leicester (Image: Alex Livesey)

Keane’s form has helped Burnley sit 12th in the Premier League, ahead of their FA Cup meeting with Lincoln on Saturday.

Dyche’s side have been emboldened by their defensive record at home, conceding just 12 times in 14 games - a record only five teams can better.

And while they have drawn plaudits for an old-school defensive style, Ferdinand believes Keane has much more to his game than just clearing his lines.

“What he’s got that not many other centre-halves have, he’s got the ability to come out with the ball.

“He is one of the cleanest passers through the lines, from the back to the No.10 position - he is comfortable and confident on the ball and at the top end of the game, that is worth a huge amount."